From Friday 4 May to Monday 7 May a group from Salesian Schools in Great Britain, led by the Province Formation Delegate, Fr John Dickson SDB, made a pilgrimage to the homeland of Don Bosco.

The group in front of the Shrine at Colle Don Bosco

The group of 22, given wonderful hospitality at Valdocco, included headteachers, senior staff and governors from the five Salesian Schools and the one FMA School in the UK. They were able to visit his birth place at Colle Don Bosco, the places in Chieri where Don Bosco went to secondary school and seminary, and the various sites associated with his ministry in Turin, including of course the Mother House itself.

The weekend was sponsored by the GBR Province to enable these committed lay people to deepen their knowledge of Don Bosco and their understanding of the ethos underlying our schools. All were enriched by the opportunity to meet and share their experience together.

It is hoped to repeat this important formation event in future years for others involved in Salesian schools, parishes and other activities in Great Britain.